The Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire (EBH) Training Scheme is primarily based in DGH’s and is a sub deanery of the larger East of England deanery. We cover a wide area across the three counties and are currently in the process of expanding our host trust numbers to accommodate an increase in trainees.
Each year new trainees are allocated to a base trust within the region for the duration of the five year training. Registrars will carry out the majority of their training at their base but it is possible to undertake core and higher curriculum modules at neighbouring trusts. Successful applicants are able to select a preference for their base hospital.
EBH trainees benefit from the personalised training in an acute Trust with one-to-one consultant supervision and “on the job training”. One benefit of the DGH setting is the wide range of pathology passing through our doors, providing valuable experience to our trainees. There are often visiting radiology trainees from neighbouring training schemes (Cambridge and Norfolk & Norwich) doing their DGH placements in some of our hospitals, with up to ten trainees in total in one department at any one time.
Training is spread over 6 trusts in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire:
- Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Trust (Luton and Dunstable Hospital)
- Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (The Princess Alexandra)
- West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust (Watford General Hospital)
- East and North Herts NHS Trust (Lister Hospital and New QEII Hospital)
- Mid and South Essex University Hospitals Group (Basildon, Broomfield and Southend Hospitals)
- East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (Colchester Hospital)
In addition to secondary level care in all of our hospitals, we host a number of regional tertiary treatment centres including the cardiothoracic centre based at Basildon hospital. Please refer to the specific trust pages for more information regarding individual trusts and hospitals.
We are fortunate to work in a beautiful part of the country with all the benefits of close proximity to London. The hospitals within our scheme are based in some of the most desirable green belt towns and are ideal for putting down roots for your future careers. Our trainers and trainees benefit from being able to balance life and work well - hugely important for well-being and a healthy training program.
Core Training
YEAR 1
The initial 6 months is spent acquiring a basic grounding in all modalities of radiology, particularly focussing on Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy and A&E plain films. In addition to providing training in the foundations of radiology, this time is also used to prepare you for the FRCR part 1 examination (see ‘Teaching’ section below for further details). Following this, you will begin modular training in the various subspecialities to fulfill the core part of the curriculum.
YEAR 2 and 3
Building on foundations learned in year 1, the second and third year of “core training” are spent completing the core curriculum and preparing for the FRCR part 2 exams. During this time, it is also expected that trainees will commence unsupervised reporting of Accident and Emergency radiographs and general ultrasound following a course of teaching and a practical assessment.
Higher Specialist Training
YEAR 4 and 5
The fourth and fifth years are focussed on higher radiological training. Trainees will complete their training through attachments which will be tailored, as far as possible, to the specialist interests of each trainee. Rotations at this stage will be determined by individual consultation with the Training Programme Director, the College Tutor for the appropriate Hospital, and relevant consultant.
There is some variation in on-call commitments from trust to trust in the EBH scheme but generally on-call training starts in the first or second year. On-calls within the EBH scheme are usually consultant lead, with a consultant close by to supervise work and give advice. With progression to year 3 more independence is given. Complete independence with on-call is expected following the success in the final FRCR part 2B exam.
The scheme benefits from having a large number of experienced and committed trainers who are keen to teach. We are continually striving to keep our teaching programmes updated and relevant to help our trainees prepare for the membership exams.
The first 6 months of ST1 are focused on preparing for the part 1 examination. Dedicated anatomy teaching is provided at hospitals within the scheme. In addition, weekly teaching is held at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where focused FRCR physics teaching is provided.
We have developed a consultant led FRCR part 2A teaching program which takes place one afternoon per month and rotates around the various sites. The region is also home to a number of popular courses held throuhgout the year including Luton 2B FRCR course, Basildon A to ZEE FRCR course and Southend on-call and 2B FRCR courses.
DOES EVERY HOSPITAL HAVE VACANT POSTS EACH YEAR?
No. The number and site of the vacant posts varies from year to year. We are usually able to give a clearer idea of which Trusts will have vacancies in January or February of each year.
WILL I NEED TO MOVE AROUND THE REGION FOR PLACEMENTS?
Most of your training will be carried out at your base trusts. There are however opportunities to undertake modules in other hospitals within the deanery and you are likely to rotate to one or two other hospital to fulfill the curriculum.
For more information, to arrange visits and talk with existing trainees contact the Training Program Director, Dr Hassan Hirji - hassanhirji@nhs.net
Head of school, Dr Sarah Williams - sarah.williams14@nhs.net
Saturday, 19 January, 2019
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Saturday, 19 January, 2019